At the Antique Piano Shop, we specialize in restoring rare and obsolete pianos and organs for individuals who desire to preserve their heirloom instruments.

Have an instrument you want restored?

We are currently accepting a limited number of new projects in our restoration shop.

This page is designed to give a detailed, in-depth explanation into what our piano and organ restoration work actually entails. Here we discuss the basic principals of our restoration processes, including all types of vintage pianos and organs.

Over the years, we have realized that our clients sometimes prefer having some pricing options when choosing restoration of their vintage pianos. As a result, we have established 3 different package levels of restoration services in order to better serve our customers.

IS MY ANTIQUE INSTRUMENT WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

Over the years, we have seen 2 basic mindsets in the piano industry: Those who love antique pianos, and those who think they are junk. It is a much divided world of opinions, and it is rare that we encounter those who seem to take much of a middle ground on the subject.

I have clients approach me asking "is my antique piano worth restoration?" My immediate answer is unequivocally "Yes!" because of what I have seen in the real marketplace over the past several years.

I realize that there are a lot of piano tuners and technicians out there who do not believe that antique pianos are worth restoration. There seems to be common school of thought in the piano world that "new is better." However, there are those who love and cherish these vintage instruments - those that want to restore and preserve them for future generations.

Being a professional pianist is what got me so involved with piano restoration and preservation. I approach these vintage instruments from a pianists' point of view first, and from a technical point of view second. I have personally sat down and played Beethoven Piano Sonatas on a restored Pre-Civil War square grand piano. I got chills down my back because of the experience, knowing I was hearing the music the way Beethoven's audience heard it first hand. I have played Chopin and Schumann on restored turn-of-the-century uprights and grands, from which the power and warmth was incredibly moving. I suspect that many new piano dealers have not had the privilege of that experience. To me, the thrill was totally lost, almost sterile, sitting down to a new Yamaha. I admit that this is my own opinion as a pianist, and those who disagree are entitled to say so.

The fact is that the market has historically supported antique piano restoration and preservation, and seems to be a fast growing trend. We have experienced this first hand, as have many of our colleagues around the country. As restoration costs steadily increase, values of these antique instruments are steadily increasing as well. How can an instrument that cost hundreds of dollars a century ago (the cost of a house!), not to mention that the instrument has survived 100 years and is still functional and in one piece, be the equivalent of a useless, worthless piece of furniture today? While respecting the differing opinions of others, those who prefer new pianos over restoration are simply not our customers, just as those who are passionate about having an antique instrument restored are not likely to go out and buy a new piano. People who love and appreciate antique and historical instruments are the people who create the very real market for these instruments. These people are preserving an important part of our history for future generations to come. People who do not share this love and appreciation will tell you the market isn't there, and although we see it quite differently, we choose to respect their opinions. If you are interested in our restoration services, we would be delighted to hear from you!"

-Michael Stinnett, FounderAntique Piano Shop, Inc.

What Does "Restored" Really mean?

The term "restored" refers to professional internal and professional external restoration and rebuilding, not just cabinet refinishing and internal cleaning, etc.

Many people think that because grandma refinished their piano or organ in the garage 10 years ago that the instrument is "restored" and worth a fortune - not true. Like the antique automobile, piano/organ restoration includes rebuilding the internal mechanisms as well as the cosmetics.

Over the past decade, we have seen the value of antique pianos and organs nearly double across the board. Much of the credit goes to education - folks are now able to go to the internet and learn about what they have, often encouraged to invest and preserve their instruments.